Meaningful Care Matters

04/04/2026

Happy Easter to everyone in our care communities and to our Butterfly and Dragonfly Home partners and friends.
Easter is a special time for many, full of hope and meaning. It is also a time for family, chocolate, bunny rabbits, and those lovely signs of spring like little chicks.
Do not forget the fun of making and wearing Easter bonnets, which can bring smiles and creativity to the day.
Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Easter.

03/04/2026

Lander, Stoppard, The Meads and Buttermeads households at Landermeads in Nottinghamshire continue to exemplify the Butterfly Approach in action, building on more than a decade of success using the model.
You can feel the love wherever you go. The warmth and affection shared by everyone living and working at Landermeads is seen, felt, and heard in every corner of the home.
The team has mastered the balance between fun, playful interactions and quieter, calming approaches. Each household benefits from a rich mix of team members who bring unique qualities and strengths to create this balance.
We are proud to partner with this pioneering family.

02/04/2026

How can we bring the fun back into food?
Over the next few months, we are focusing on ‘Top Tips’ that help shift cultures of care from institutional to more home-like environments.
This month, we are exploring how to make mealtimes more of an experience in the day. Mealtimes can be a real opportunity for connection, conversation and enjoyment.
Do you have any other top tips or photographs to share of how you make mealtimes more sociable and fun?

01/04/2026

We are hoping that brings some fun rather than scary surprises to all those living and working in services. Did you know that originally it was called ‘April Fish Day’ in some parts of Europe and goes back possibly as far as the 1500s?
The earliest recorded prank occurred in London in 1698, when people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to see the “washing of the lions” an event that didn’t exist.
One of the most famous pranks was the spaghetti-tree hoax on the BBC in the UK in 1957 which showed a family in Switzerland harvesting spaghetti from a tree.
Why not ask people what April Fools pranks they can remember, and whether it was a tradition in their family.

31/03/2026

Freedom, nature, and companionship are part of everyday life.
People living at CareBright Butterfly Homes in Bruff, Ireland, are free to go outdoors whenever they choose, spend time with the pet goats in the garden, and enjoy the company of the much-loved family dog as it wanders through the home.
These moments of connection bring calm, joy, and a reassuring sense of normal life.

30/03/2026

Huge congratulations to Diane Kehoe, Manager of West View Care Home for being a finalist for this award - you are an inspiring leader and we are proud to work with you and your amazing team!

🏆 UK Dementia Awards 2026 Finalists Announced!

We are excited to reveal the finalists for the Leadership Award at the UK Dementia Awards 2026 🎉 Congratulations to all of the finalists.

These incredible people are making a real difference in dementia care.

📅 Join us at the awards ceremony: 30 April 2026
📍 Coombe Abbey Hotel, Warwickshire
👉 Book your place: https://buff.ly/exkef9s

27/03/2026

Choice does not stop at the front door.
CareBright's onsite Social Club offers people the opportunity to enjoy a “day out” with friends, providing purpose, routine, and connection in a different environment.
It was wonderful to see so many people feeling excited, motivated, and ready to enjoy their day.

26/03/2026

Congratulations to the Laurel Creek and Buttonworks households at Sunnyside Home in the Region of Waterloo for achieving Butterfly Home accreditation for another year.
One family member shared:
“This is the second home my wife has been in, and it is an amazing place. I see my wife every day, she gets to dance, and I can see that she is very happy here.”
A team member reflected:
“I see them as I would my own parents, friends, or siblings. Whatever they call me, that is who I am to them.”
Being alongside a person living with dementia, moment by moment, is at the heart of exceptional Butterfly services. Thank you to the Sunnyside team for continuing to demonstrate Emotion Focused Care through who you are and what you do.

24/03/2026

Celebrating a First: Dragonfly Accreditation Achieved
We are delighted to celebrate the first Supported Living Community to achieve .
Part of the Landermeads Nursing Home community in Nottinghamshire, this innovative model supports people with a wide range of physical and mental health needs to live independently in their own small bungalows — with the backing of a truly wonderful support team.
People living in the community shared what this means to them:
“I love being free. I suppose moving forward, the big thing is no one has to worry about me. I’ve still got goals. I’ve still got my story to live life to the full and to look after myself. I would say at the moment, I’m very peaceful. I’m happy. I’m nice and free.”
“This is my gaf, my yard. I do what I want to do.”
Sally Knocker, MCM Auditor, was deeply moved by the quality of relationships between people living in the community and their support workers. These relationships are built on trust, respect, and freedom — enabling a life full of opportunity and adventure, from regular pub and shopping trips to fairs, zip-wire experiences, and holidays to Germany, Denmark, and beyond.
This genuine “anything is possible” approach was truly inspiring to witness.
Congratulations to everyone involved in creating a community where independence, connection, and aspiration thrive.

23/03/2026

Congratulations to The Journey Club in Calgary, Alberta for maintaining their Butterfly Approach Accreditation for another year.
Mary Kneale, MCM Auditor, shared:
“The reciprocal relationships are remarkable, and the kindness and compassion are amazing to witness.”
The day included fun and meaningful conversations on topics such as fashion, skiing, and travels in Italy, along with singing, dancing, and time spent with Henry, the resident dog.
A wonderful example of connection, joy, and person-centred care.

22/03/2026

Goodman House, part of the Landermeads Nursing Home community in Nottinghamshire, UK, has achieved Dragonfly Approach Accreditation for another year.
The MCM Auditor observed a particularly strong culture of mutual giving at Goodman House, where team members shared how much kindness and care they receive from those living in the household.
Leaders spoke about the importance of helping family members achieve goals that can often feel unachievable, with a clear commitment to supporting individuals to move on and live independently when this is their wish.
Home-cooked food is highly valued at Goodman House. The chef takes great pride in creating visually appealing, flavourful pureed meals tailored to individual preferences. This texture-modified pizza is a great example.

20/03/2026

Some great ideas for April fun here!
Thank you NAPA!

April NAPA Calendar – FREE to All

April welcomes spring longer days and a welcome lift in mood and energy. It’s a lovely time to refresh your activity plans and embrace themes of growth hope and new beginnings.

This month includes Easter, Sikh Heritage Month and Global Intergenerational Week alongside plenty of opportunities for seasonal creativity. Think planting herbs sharing spring memories lighter foods decorating eggs and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.

Simple sensory moments can spark conversation comfort and connection while supporting wellbeing.

A special thank you to Unilever Food Solutions UK our 2026 calendar sponsor. Their generous support ensures the NAPA Calendar remains free for care and support services across the UK making meaningful inclusive activity planning accessible to all.

As always shape the ideas around individual life stories cultural backgrounds and personal interests because the most powerful moments often grow from shared memories and genuine connection.

Download the FREE April edition here 👉
https://digital.napa-activities.co.uk/view/763755243/